Deborah S. Howell

Deborah Howell, 77, passed away on Monday, May 18, 2026 at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center. A celebration of life will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 19, 2026 at First Presbyterian Church in Mason City, with Reverend Kenneth “Kip” Murphy officiating. Inurnment will take place on a later date at Silver Lake Cemetery in Lake Park, Iowa.

Memorials may be directed to the First Presbyterian Church of Mason City; the Humane Society of North Iowa; or the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.

Deborah Sue (Boyer) Howell, the daughter of Bruce and Shirley (Yager) Boyer, was born on July 12, 1948. She began her life in Lake Park, IA. Her early years were spent on the shores of Silver Lake with her loving parents and 3 siblings. There she was surrounded by grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins and her love for animals began to grow. In 1957 the family moved to Hartley, IA. There she excelled academically and musically and made lifelong friends. She graduated from Hartley High School in 1966.

Deborah's love of learning led her to the University of Iowa where she received her bachelor's degree in 1970. During those years she immersed herself in college life and her great love for travel began. She developed a great fondness for the University of Iowa and became a lifelong Hawkeye fan. Following college, Deborah married Robert Strom and began teaching elementary school. She soon moved to Mason City, IA and was a substitute teacher in the area for many years.

In 1989 Deborah married Gary Howell. The two cherished their time traveling together

and especially enjoyed taking in the beauty and history of favorite destinations throughout Europe. They looked forward to their daily coffee dates at Jitters Coffee Bar. They prioritized time with family and friends, enjoyed music, lovingly cared for their pets, and supported their beloved Mason City.

Over the years, Deborah was active in her community. She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church. She volunteered much time to the Humane Society of North Iowa and Music Man Square. She served on the committee that supported the establishment of a Sister City in Montegrotto Terme, Italy. Her musical talents led her to becoming a long-time member of the church bell choir and the Mason City New Horizons Band. She continued to perform in the band until shortly before her death. She valued her relationships with family, friends, and neighbors in the community. They will all miss her kindness and the way she lived life with a gentle strength. Deborah was blessed to have wonderful people checking in on and supporting her over the last few years.

Deborah is survived by her siblings Dan (Marcia) Boyer of Santa Barbara, CA; Kim (Rondi) Boyer of Wolfeboro, NH; Mary Buchholz of Estherville, IA; niece Emily (Jamie) Norgaard of Cottonwood, MN; nephews Nathan Buchholz (Kacey DeMars) of Buffalo, MN; Daniel (Madelyn) Boyer of Ann Arbor, MI; great nieces and nephews, Hope, Grant, Morgan, Riley, Aiden; her step-sons, Dave Howell (Amy Otte), Bettendorf, IA; Dean Howell (Janice), Atlanta, GA; Mark Howell, (Lori), Lawrence, KS; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bruce and Shirley Boyer, and her husband, Gary Howell.